Lighting device for vehicle headlight

ABSTRACT

A lighting device for a vehicle headlight, the lighting device having a first light module ( 105 ), a second light module ( 106 ) and a third light module ( 107 ), wherein, when the modules are installed in a vehicle, the first light module generates a first overall light distribution (A), the second light module generates a first partial light distribution (F), and the third light module generates a second partial light distribution (Z), these distributions being in a region in front of the vehicle. When the first and second light modules are illuminated at the same time, the first overall light distribution at least partially overlaps the first partial light distribution, forming a second overall light distribution (AF). The second partial light distribution lies underneath the hh line and at least partially overlaps the second overall light distribution (AF). When all three light modules are activated simultaneously, a third overall light distribution (AF′) is formed.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 15/561,412, filedSep. 25, 2017, which is the national stage of PCT/AT2016/050067, filedMar. 18, 2016, which claims priority to Austria Application No. A50238/2015, filed Mar. 25, 2015. These applications are incorporatedherein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a lighting device for a vehicle headlight,which includes a first light module, a second light module, and a thirdlight module, wherein the first light module, when installed in avehicle, generates a first, specified overall light distribution in aregion in front of the motor vehicle, and the second light module, wheninstalled in a vehicle, generates a first specified partial lightdistribution in a region in front of the vehicle, and the third lightmodule, when installed in a vehicle, generates a second specifiedpartial light distribution in a region in front of the vehicle, andwherein, when the first and second light modules produce illumination,the first overall light distribution at least partially overlaps thefirst partial light distribution, such that a second overall lightdistribution is formed.

The invention also relates to a vehicle headlight having at least onesuch lighting device.

In addition, the invention relates to a motor vehicle having at leastone, and preferably two, such vehicle headlights.

BACKGROUND

Due to legal requirements, the light distributions of vehicle headlightsmust comply with a number of conditions. In addition to the legalrequirements, customer requirements—for instance regarding homogeneityof a light distribution—must be implemented.

For example, as a matter of law, transitions from brightly lit to dimmedout distribution regions are defined as blurred light/dark boundaries(LD boundaries), wherein the LD borders must be neither too sharp nortoo washed out—that is, the maximum sharpness (the degree of hardness ofthe LD boundary is specified by the measured value G) of the HD boundaryis prescribed by law (in ECE Member States, lower boundaries for thismeasured value are also specified by law). Such a blurring of the LDboundary causes the LD boundary to be perceived by the driver as“softer”, and subjectively more pleasant.

The sharpness and/or blurring of this LD boundary is quantified by themaximum of a gradient along a vertical section through the LD boundary.For this purpose, the logarithm of the illuminance is calculated atmeasurement points in 0.1° intervals. Subtraction then gives thegradient function. The maximum of this function is referred to as thegradient of the LD boundary. Because this definition does not accuratelymodel human perception of brightness, differently perceived LDboundaries may have the same measured gradient value and/or differentgradients can be measured for similar-looking LD boundaries.

Another issue is the generation of segmented light distributions. Theseare used, by way of example, in the production of dynamic lightdistributions, for example in the case of a glare-free high beam. Thetechnical field uses the term ‘ADB systems’ (Adaptive Driving Beam). Inparticular designs, such a dynamic light distribution is constructedfrom one or more individual light distributions. By way of example,individual light sources each generate a small segment in the lightpattern, wherein an optical head is assigned to each of these individuallight sources. The overlap of these light segments then produces theoverall light distribution. Individual segments can be switched off(i.e., not illuminated) in the light pattern by switching off individuallight sources. The segments in this case are typically arranged in rowsand/or columns.

The use of different light modules to generate an overall lightdistribution as required by law can cause sharp transitions between thelight distributions generated by the individual light modules, which areperceived as unpleasant. These transitions, or so-calledinhomogeneities, become visible in front of the vehicle. Consequently, alight distribution is used which has very large gradients in theintensity transition, which are therefore not clearly perceived by thehuman eye.

One approach known in the prior art for softening the gradient is thatof adjusting the curvature of the optical head (see, for example, DE 102009 053 581 B3) to the extent permitted by the optical system (lensdiameter, back focal distance of the lens). This approach is used inparticular in the devices which are configured with an optical head.Such an adaptation can be achieved, for example, by the use ofmicrostructures on the boundary surfaces of the imaging lenses, and isknown from the prior art. With a change in curvature on the exit surfaceof an optical head, the strip-shaped light distributions, by way ofexample, are given variable size. As a result, a certain luminous fluxfraction is distributed over a greater area. The result is a broadeningof the LD region, whereby the human eye perceives the illuminationtransition with less contrast. However, this approach is of limitedapplication. By way of example, the large gradient at the lower regionof a segmented high beam light distribution—which will be discussedfurther below—cannot be manipulated in this manner.

In another approach known in the prior art, a roughening (for example,by sandblasting) which homogenizes transitions is undertaken on theoptical head elements. The process of sandblasting always leads todifferent geometries in the tool or on the lens surface. Thedisadvantage of this approach is that each production batch looksdifferent and leads to (mostly) small variations in the gradient values.

The solutions named above can therefore only be applied in special casesrather than generally (see, for example, DE 102 006 052 749 A1, DE 102008 036 193 A1, EP 2518397 A2, DE 102 007 052 745 A1, DE 102 007 052 742A1).

The disadvantages of the prior art described above should be remedied.

BRIEF SUMMARY

Therefore, the problem addressed by this invention is that of providinga lighting device which can be used to realize a light pattern whichcomplies with legal stipulations and is simultaneously not perceived asunpleasant.

To reach legally specified light intensity values, first the strength ofthe light emitted from the lighting device must be measured. Themeasurement is usually done by a measuring screen being arranged andilluminated perpendicularly to the optical axis of the lighting deviceat a certain distance in front of the lighting device. A specialorthogonal coordinate pair—the hh line and vv line—is defined on themeasuring screen. The position of a point on the measuring screen isspecified in degrees. The intensity values are taken in the form of atwo-dimensional distribution, and represented, for example, as an isoluxdiagram (isolux lines). The light intensity profile curve constitutes asection through the isolux distribution along a certain curve, whereinthe sectional curve is usually a straight line which runs parallel tothe ordinate (vv line) on the isolux line diagram. Such light intensityprofiles are used when comparing different light distributions.

The problem described above is addressed, using an aforementionedlighting device according to the invention, in that the first overalllight distribution is a low beam light distribution, the first partiallight distribution is a partial high beam light distribution, the secondoverall light distribution is a high beam light distribution, the secondpartial light distribution lies entirely below the hh line prescribed bylaw, or is bounded by the hh line at the top, and at least partiallyoverlaps the high beam light distribution, wherein simultaneousactivation of all three light modules forms a third overall lightdistribution.

In a preferred embodiment, the lighting device is designed in such amanner that the first specified partial light distribution has a lowerboundary which is at least partially in the first specified overalllight distribution, said lower boundary at least partially overlapped bythe second partial light distribution when the second and third lightmodules are illuminated at the same time.

It has proven useful to describe the light distributions by the relevantlight intensity profiles. Thus, according to the invention, the secondoverall light distribution is characterized by a first light intensityprofile taken along a defined sectional curve.

It is expedient for the third overall light distribution to becharacterized by a second light intensity curve taken along the definedsectional curve.

According to the invention, the overlap of the first overall lightdistribution with the first partial light distribution is thus comparedwith the overlap of the first overall light distribution, the firstpartial light distribution, and the second partial light distribution.

This comparison is made utilizing characteristic light intensity profilecurves, and is quantified by radii of curvature of both curves (the useof radii of curvature as a measure of quantification is discussedlater), wherein according to the invention, the first light intensityprofile curve and the second light intensity profile curve are each atleast twice continuously differentiable. It should be noted at thispoint that the light intensity profile curves are created byinterpolation, such as spline interpolation. In this interpolation,certain requirements which must be met by the light intensity profilecurves for the smoothness of the compensation curves (e.g., order of thespline interpolation)—in short, the smoothness characteristics—can bespecified.

Preferably, the light intensity curves are taken along a straightsectional curve.

It is also particularly advantageous that the straight sectional curveruns parallel to the ordinate of the isolux diagram.

To compare the light intensity profile curves, a corresponding measureis needed. It is noted at this point once again that the objective ofthe present invention is to reduce the magnitude of the inhomogeneity ofthe light distributions. The magnitude of an inhomogeneity is reflectedin the extent to which the light intensity values change within acertain range. With respect to light intensity profile curves, thismeans how fast the curve rises or falls within a certain interval.

As a measure for this intensity change rate, it is advantageous tochoose the amount of change of the radius of curvature along a positiveor negative slope region. A positive or negative slope region in whichthe minimum radius of curvature is large, appears “flatter” than apositive or negative slope region in which the minimum radius ofcurvature is small. As a result, in the first case, the lightdistribution in this region is perceived as more pleasant.

It is therefore advantageous that the minimum radius of curvature in atleast one positive slope region of the first light intensity profilecurve in which the light intensity values increase monotonically, andpreferably in all positive slope regions, is less than or equal to theminimum radius of curvature in a positive slope region of the secondlight intensity profile curve in which the light intensity valuesincrease monotonically, and preferably in all positive slope regions.

Moreover, the minimum radius of curvature in at least one negative sloperegion of the first light intensity profile curve in which the lightintensity values decrease monotonically, and preferably in all negativeslope regions, can be less than or equal to the minimum radius ofcurvature in a negative slope region of the second light intensityprofile curve in which the light intensity values decreasemonotonically, and preferably in all negative slope regions.

With regard to the shape of the second partial distribution, it isadvantageous that the third light module is designed and/or arranged insuch a manner that it illuminates a horizontally extended strip-shapedsegment, wherein the ratio of the segment width to the segment height isat least 2 to 1, and preferably up to 10 to 1.

Furthermore, it can be contemplated that the third light module isdesigned and/or arranged in such a manner that it illuminates ahorizontally extended strip-shaped segment, the same lying horizontallyin a range between about −20° and about +20°.

In addition, it is advantageous that the third light module is designedand/or arranged in such a manner that it illuminates a horizontallyextended strip-shaped segment, the same lying horizontally in a rangebetween about −20° and about +10°, when installed in a vehicle, whereinthe vehicle is designed for right-hand traffic.

Moreover, the third light module can be designed and/or arranged in sucha manner that it illuminates a horizontally extended strip-shapedsegment, the same lying horizontally in a range between about −10° andabout +20°, when installed in a vehicle, wherein the vehicle is designedfor left-hand traffic.

It can be contemplated that the third light module is designed and/orarranged in such a manner that illuminates a horizontally extendedstrip-shaped segment on a measurement screen arranged at a certaindistance in front of the lighting device, wherein the horizontal extentof said segment is in a range from 20° to 40°, but preferably 30°.

In summary, the third light module illuminates a horizontally extendedstrip-shaped segment in a horizontal angle range which is generallybetween -20° and about +20°, with a horizontal extension between 20° and40°, but preferably30°, but can nevertheless be adapted to the roadtransport system, such that the horizontal angle range for right-handtraffic vehicles is between about −20° and about +10°, and for left-handtraffic vehicles is between about −10° and about +20°.

It is also advantageous that the third light module is designed and/orarranged in such a manner that it illuminates a horizontally extendedstrip-shaped segment, wherein the same lies vertically in a rangebetween about 4.5° and about 0°.

Likewise, the third light module can be designed and/or arranged in sucha manner that it illuminates a horizontally extended strip-shapedsegment with a vertical extension in a range between 0° and 4.5°,preferably between 3° and 4.5°.

As such, the third light module illuminates a horizontally extendedstrip-shaped segment which lies in a vertical angle range of about 0° toabout 4.5°, with the vertical extent in a range between 0° and 4.5°,preferably between 3° and 4.5°. In this case, the segment is subjectedto the condition that it either lies completely below the hh line, or isbounded by this line at the top.

Various configurations and embodiments of the third light module aresuitable for targeted lighting of the regions named above.

It has proven advantageous for the third light module to comprise atleast one light source and at least one optical head and/or at least onereflector assigned to the at least one light source.

It is possible in principle in a concrete embodiment for the reflectorassigned to the third light module to be designed as a freeformreflector—for example, as a free-form reflector with a parabolic basicshape.

Furthermore, it is advantageous for the light source arranged in thethird light module to be designed as a lamp, for example an incandescentlamp according to the ECE-R37 standard, or a standard gas discharge lampaccording to the ECE-R99 standard.

In one of the preferred embodiments, the light source arranged in thethird light module is formed from one, two or more LEDs. In one of thepreferred embodiments, the light source arranged in the third lightmodule is constructed as a laser light source.

Furthermore, it is advantageous that the light source arranged in thethird light module emits light in a prespecified or prespecifiablespectral range.

It is expedient in this case that the light source arranged in the thirdlight module emits light with a color which can be matched to the colorof the light emitted from the first light module and/or the second lightmodule.

In a specific embodiment of the invention, the first light module, thesecond light module, and the third light module are arranged in avehicle headlight housing.

In another specific embodiment of the invention, the first light moduleand the second light module are arranged in a vehicle headlight housing,and the third light module is designed as an auxiliary light module andarranged outside of the vehicle headlight housing.

Moreover, it can be contemplated that the first overall lightdistribution is a low beam distribution.

Furthermore, it is advantageous that the first partial lightdistribution is a partial high beam light distribution.

Moreover, the first partial light distribution can be a partial highbeam light distribution which is formed of one or more, preferablyrectangular, segments, and has a preferably-linear lower boundary.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention is described below in more detail using preferrednon-restrictive embodiments, with reference to the drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 shows a first overall light distribution,

FIG. 2 shows a first partial light distribution,

FIG. 3 shows a second partial light distribution,

FIG. 4 shows a second overall light distribution,

FIG. 5 shows a first light intensity profile curve taken along a definedsectional curve,

FIG. 6 shows a third overall light distribution according to theinvention,

FIG. 7 shows a second light intensity profile curve taken along adefined sectional curve,

FIG. 8 shows an isolux diagram of the second overall light distribution,

FIG. 9 shows an isolux diagram of the third overall light distribution,

FIG. 10 shows a comparison of two light intensity profile curves takenat H=0°, with the third light module according to the inventionilluminated and without the third light module according to theinvention illuminated.

FIG. 11a shows a gradient profile with the third light module accordingto the invention illuminated,

FIG. 11b shows a gradient profile without the third light moduleaccording to the invention illuminated,

FIG. 12 shows a vehicle headlight having light modules arranged within ahousing, and

FIG. 13 shows a vehicle headlight having the third light module arrangedoutside a housing.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following first addresses FIGS. 1-3, which show three basicschematic light distributions. FIG. 1 schematically shows a firsttypical overall light distribution, in this case in the form of a lowbeam distribution A which is generated, for example, by means of a lightmodule 105 according to the prior art, as shown in FIGS. 12 and 13. Thelow beam distribution has a light/dark boundary 10, which has a typicalasymmetry in the case shown, for the use of the low beam in right-handtraffic countries.

FIG. 2 schematically shows a segmented partial light distribution—thepartial high beam light distribution F which is formed of rectangular,vertically extended segments 30 and has a lower boundary 25 at which thelight intensity of this partial beam distribution has a strong gradient.Such a partial light distribution can be produced, for example, with aknown light module 106 according to the prior art, as shown in FIGS. 12and 13.

FIG. 3 schematically shows a partial light distribution Z, which islocated completely below the hh line and overlaps the low beamdistribution A. The partial light distribution Z partially overlaps thelower edge 25 of the partial high beam light distribution F, as shown inFIG. 6.

FIG. 4 schematically shows a second typical overall light distributionAF, the same being a high beam light distribution, which is produced bythe simultaneous illumination of the light modules 105, 106 shown inFIGS. 12 and 13, resulting from the overlap of the low beam distributionA and the partial high beam light distribution F. FIG. 4 also shows asectional line SL which runs parallel to the ordinate (vv line) vv andintersects the abscissa (hh line) hh at about −2.5°.

FIG. 5 shows a light intensity profile curve 5 which characterizes thesecond unmodified overall light distribution AF, and which was takenalong the sectional curve SL. The light intensity profile curve 5 showsthe light intensity values in Candela [cd] when the low beam module 105and high beam module 106 are illuminated at the same time, as a functionof a parameter which is determined by the selection of the sectionalcurve SL. Because the sectional curve SL in FIG. 4 runs parallel to thevv line, the parameter in FIG. 5 is equal to the angle indicated indegrees on the vv line. The light intensity profile curve 5 in thisexample of the overall light distribution AF has a rising region whichconsists of a flat part 54, a steep part 52, and a transition region 55,and also a maximum 53 and a falling region 50. The first flat sloperegion 54 is characterized by a weak gradient, wherein the second steeprising region 52 has a strong gradient. The shape of the transitionregion 55 reflects how strongly the gradient function (not shown)changes in this area. The radius of curvature r1 along the transitionregion 55 serves as a measure of this change.

FIG. 6 schematically shows a third overall light distribution AF′according to the invention, produced by simultaneous illumination of thelight modules 105, 106 and 107 shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, resulting fromthe overlap of the low beam distribution A, the segmented partial highbeam light distribution F, and the second partial light distribution Zaccording to the invention. In addition, FIG. 6 shows a sectional lineSL which runs parallel to the vv line and intersects the abscissa (hhline) at, for example, about H =−2.5°. The arrangement of the secondpartial light distribution Z according to the invention in FIG. 6differs from its arrangement in FIG. 3. First, it is quite conceivablethat the partial light distribution Z according to the invention is notincluded in the low beam distribution, and rather partially overlaps thesame. On the other hand, the partial light distribution Z, in apreferred embodiment of the invention, can be bounded at the top by thehh line.

FIG. 7 shows two light intensity profile curves 5, 6 plotted at the sametime. The first light intensity profile curve 5 has already beendiscussed in the description of FIG. 5, and is plotted here with adashed line to illustrate the differences between the unmodified(second) overall light distribution AF and the modified (third) overalllight distribution AF′. The second light intensity profile curve 6(solid line) characterizes the third modified overall light distributionAF′, and was taken along the sectional curve SL. The second lightintensity profile curve 6 shows the dependence of the light intensityvalues in Candela [cd] when the low beam module 105, high beam module106, and the additional module 107 according to the invention areilluminated at the same time, as a function of a parameter which isdetermined by the selection of the sectional curve SL. Because thesectional curve SL in FIG. 6 runs parallel to the vv line, the parameterin FIG. 7 is equal to the angle in degrees plotted on the vv line. Thesecond light intensity profile curve 6 has, in this example of theoverall light distribution AF′, a rising region which consists of a flatpart 64, a steep part 62, and a transition region 65, and also a maximum63 and a falling region 60, wherein the falling region 60 of the secondlight intensity profile curve 6 almost completely matches the fallingregion 50 of the first light intensity profile curve 5. Here, too, theradius of curvature r2 along the transition zone 65 is a measure of thechange in the gradient of the third overall light distribution AF′.Because the transition region 65 of the second light intensity profilecurve 6 is less curved than the transition region 55 of the first lightintensity profile curve 5, the minimum value of the radius of curvaturer2 along the transition region 65 is greater than the minimum value ofthe radius of curvature r1 along the transition region 55. This showsthat the transition 65 is “softer” than the transition 55, and issubjectively more pleasant for the driver.

FIGS. 8 and 9 show the differences discussed above between the typicalunmodified second overall light distribution AF and the third overalllight distribution AF′ modified according to the invention. Both figuresillustrate an isolux diagram which corresponds to a corresponding lightdistribution taken on a measuring screen set up at a certain distanceperpendicular to the optical axis of the light modules. Eachcontour—called isolux lines—describes a set of points at which the lightintensity is of a certain light intensity value which is the same forall points of this set. The spacing between the contours, measured alonga certain section, describes how much the gradient along this sectionchanges. The distance measured in FIG. 8 along the vertical line H=0°(the vv line) between the second K2 and the third K3, as well as betweenthe third K3 and the fourth K4, contours is clearly smaller than thedistance measured in FIG. 9 along the vertical line H=0° (the vv line)between the second k2′ and the third K3′, as well as between the thirdK3′ and the fourth K4′ contours, and reflects the reduction of thegradient. For this reason, the overall light distribution AF′ generatedby the third light module according to the invention is perceived asmore pleasant by the driver than the typical overall light distributionAF.

The corresponding light intensity profile curves 5, 6 and the associatedgradient functions are shown in FIG. 10 and FIGS. 11a and 11b . Theminimum value of the gradient in FIG. 11a is about 0.5 and is greaterthan the minimum value of the gradient in FIG. 11b , which is about0.25.

Various arrangements and configurations of the third light module 107can be contemplated for generating the second partial light distributionaccording to the invention. A reflector is preferably assigned to thethird light module 107, as shown in

FIG. 12 and FIG. 13. It is advantageous to arrange the third lightmodule 107 with the first light module 105 and with the second lightmodule 106 in a vehicle headlight housing 101, as shown in FIG. 12.However, this overall arrangement could, depending on the dimensions ofthe individual light modules, violate the ECE regulations. Therefore, itcan be contemplated that the third light module 107 is arranged outsideof the vehicle headlight housing. This arrangement is shown in FIG. 13.

The invention has been described with the example of a segmented partialhigh beam light distribution, for which the invention is particularlyadvantageous because a segmented partial light distribution has a loweredge 25 where the overall high beam light distribution has aparticularly strong gradient.

However, in principle, the invention is also applicable in the contextof non-segmented partial high beam light distributions.

We claim:
 1. A lighting device for a vehicle headlight, the lightingdevice comprising: a first light module (105); a second light module(106); and a third light module (107), wherein: the first light module(105) is configured to generate a first overall light distribution (A)when installed in a vehicle in a region in front of the vehicle, thesecond light module (106) is configured to generate a first partiallight distribution (F) when installed in the vehicle in the region infront of the vehicle, and the third light module (107) is configured togenerate a second partial light distribution (Z) when installed in thevehicle in the region in front of the vehicle, and when the first andsecond light modules (105,106) are illuminated at the same time, thefirst overall light distribution (A) at least partially overlaps thefirst partial light distribution (F) such that a second overall lightdistribution (AF) is formed, the first overall light distribution is alow beam light distribution (A), the first partial light distribution isa partial high beam light distribution (F), the second overall lightdistribution is a high beam light distribution (AF), and the secondpartial light distribution (Z) lies entirely below an hh line (hh) or isbounded by at least one horizontal section of a light/dark boundary (10)of the low beam light distribution (A) at a top thereof and at leastpartially overlaps the high beam light distribution (AF), and thepartial high beam light distribution (F) has a lower boundary (25),which lies at least partially in the low beam light distribution (A),and when the second and third light modules are illuminated at the sametime, the partial high beam light distribution (F) is at least partiallyoverlapped by the second partial light distribution (Z), wherein whenthe first, second, and third light modules (105,106,107) are illuminatedat the same time, a third overall light distribution (AF′) is formed. 2.The lighting device according to claim 1, wherein the second overalllight distribution (AF) comprises a first light intensity profile curve(5) taken along a defined sectional curve (SL).
 3. The lighting deviceaccording to claim 2, wherein the third overall light distribution (AF′)comprises a second light intensity profile curve (6) taken along thedefined sectional curve (SL).
 4. The lighting device according to claim3, wherein the first light intensity profile curve (5) and the secondlight intensity profile curve (6) are each at least twice continuouslydifferentiable.
 5. The lighting device according claim 2, wherein thedefined sectional curve (SL) is a straight line.
 6. The lighting deviceaccording to claim 5, wherein the defined sectional curve (SL) runsparallel to a vv line (vv).
 7. The lighting device according to claim 3,wherein a minimum radius of curvature (r1) in at least one positiveslope region (52, 54) of the first light intensity profile curve (5) inwhich light intensity values increase monotonically is less than orequal to a minimum radius of curvature (r2) in a positive slope region(62, 64) of the second light intensity profile curve (6) in which lightintensity values increase monotonically.
 8. The lighting deviceaccording to claim 3, wherein a minimum radius of curvature in at leastone negative slope region (50) of the first light intensity profilecurve (5) in which light intensity values decrease monotonically is lessthan or equal to a minimum radius of curvature in a negative sloperegion (60) of the second light intensity profile curve (6) in whichlight intensity values decrease monotonically.
 9. The lighting deviceaccording to claim 1, wherein the third light module (107) is configuredto illuminate a horizontally extended strip-shaped segment (Z), whereina ratio of a segment width to a segment height is at least 2 to
 1. 10.The lighting device according to claim 1, wherein the third light module(107) is configured to illuminate a horizontally extended strip-shapedsegment (Z) lying horizontally in a region between about −20° and about+20°.
 11. The lighting device according to claim 1, wherein the thirdlight module (107) is configured to illuminate a horizontally extendedstrip-shaped segment (Z) lying horizontally in a region between about−20° and about +10°, when installed in the vehicle, which is designedfor right-hand traffic.
 12. The lighting device according to claim 1,wherein the third light module (107) is configured to illuminate ahorizontally extended strip-shaped segment (Z) lying horizontally in aregion between about −10° and about +20° when installed in the vehicle,which is designed for left-hand traffic.
 13. The lighting deviceaccording to claim 1, wherein the third light module (107) is configuredto illuminate a horizontally extended strip-shaped segment, a horizontalextension of which lies in a region from 20° to 40°.
 14. The lightingdevice according to claim 1, wherein the third light module (107) isconfigured to illuminate a horizontally extended strip-shaped segmentthat lies vertically in a region between about 4.5° and about 0°. 15.The lighting device according to claim 1, wherein the third light module(107) is configured to illuminate a horizontally extended strip-shapedsegment with a vertical extension in a region between 0° and 4.5°. 16.The lighting device according to claim 1, wherein the third light module(107) comprises at least one light source and at least one optical headand/or at least one reflector assigned to the at least one light source.17. The lighting device according to claim 16, wherein the at least onereflector assigned to the third light module (107) comprises a freeformreflector with a parabolic basic shape.
 18. The lighting deviceaccording to claim 16, wherein the at least one light source arranged inthe third light module (107) comprises an incandescent lamp according tothe ECE-R37 standard or a standard gas discharge lamp according to theECE-R99 standard.
 19. The lighting device according to claim 16, whereinthe at least one light source arranged in the third light module (107)comprises one, two, or more LEDs.
 20. The lighting device according toclaim 16, wherein the at least one light source arranged in the thirdlight module comprises a laser light source.
 21. The lighting deviceaccording to claim 16, wherein the at least one light source arranged inthe third light module (107) is configured to emit light in aprespecified or prespecifiable spectral range.
 22. The lighting deviceaccording to claim 16, wherein the at least one light source arranged inthe third light module (107) is configured to emit light with a colorwhich can be matched to a color of the light emitted from the firstlight module (105) and/or the second light module (106).
 23. Thelighting device according to claim 1, wherein the first light module(105), the second light module (106), and the third light module (107)are arranged in a vehicle headlight housing (101).
 24. The lightingdevice according to claim 1, wherein the first light module (105) andthe second light module (106) are arranged in a vehicle headlighthousing (101), and the third light module (107) is configured as anadditional light module (121) that is arranged outside the vehicleheadlight housing (101).
 25. A vehicle headlight having at least onelighting device according to claim
 1. 26. A motor vehicle having atleast one vehicle headlight according to claim
 25. 27. The lightingdevice according to claim 7, wherein the light intensity values of thefirst light intensity profile curve and/or of the second light intensityprofile curve increase monotonically in all positive slope regions. 28.The lighting device according to claim 8, wherein the light intensityvalues of the first light intensity profile curve and/or of the secondlight intensity profile curve decrease monotonically in all negativeslope regions.
 29. The lighting device according to claim 9, wherein theratio of the segment width to the segment height is between 2 to 1 and10 to
 1. 30. The lighting device according to claim 15, wherein thethird light module (107) is configured to illuminate a horizontallyextended strip-shaped segment with a vertical extension in a regionbetween 3° and 4.5°.